Organizing for America-Alaska Statement on President Obama’s Oval Office Address on the BP Oil Spill

Published: June 16, 2010

ANCHORAGE - Organizing for America Alaska Director Jonathan Teeters issued the following statement on President Barack Obama's Oval Office Address on the BP Oil Spill off the Gulf Coast:

"The President tonight laid out the steps that he has implemented to initiate clean up and contain the damage of the oil spill caused by the explosion at the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf Coast. But even as 25,000 personnel and 5,000 ships are working in the Gulf region to limit the effect on Gulf coast shrimpers, small businesses and families, the well continues to spew crude into the Gulf of Mexico.

"While operating under the direction of the federal government, BP is ultimately responsible for cleaning the spill and ensuring that all alternatives are taken to stem the leak. The President will meet with BP executives tomorrow and will require that the flow of oil from the leaking pipe is further reduced and that BP pays for the damage and compensates those affected.

"As the President pointed out, the inherent risk of drilling oil from a mile beneath the water's surface is further evidence that our dependence on the finite source of fuel is endangering our economy, our small businesses, our health and our environment. The President has again called on Congress to work toward a bipartisan solution to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Through existing clean energy policies, America has taken great steps in catching up with cleaner technologies, but we must take those steps that will put American industry at the head of the pack in creating a clean energy economy that creates millions of American jobs where the recession had wrested them away.

"The time for action is now, and we can no longer delay the reforms that will grow our economy, better our world standing in innovative clean energy technology, and improve the quality of life for American families like those affected in the Gulf region. The President's supporters across Alaska will work to ensure that the President has the votes he needs to make these critical changes to our national energy policy."

Organizing for America (OFA) is a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee. OFA's network of volunteers and staff is actively working in all 50 states to promote the President's proposals to strengthen America's middle class by creating jobs, passing health insurance reform, building a clean energy economy, improving education, and reining in the excesses of Wall Street.

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.